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Parks and Recreation Director speaks out after shooting at Brown Park

The Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department says they were unaware of an anti-gun violence rally held at Brown Park Tuesday night.

During that rally, a 22-year-old man was shot but is expected to be okay.

Lafayette Police say he is not cooperating with their investigation and at this time, they do not have a suspect.

“This could have been something really terrible,” said Gerald Boudreaux, Director of Parks and Recreation.

He said Tuesday’s rally started in a different neighborhood before ending up at Brown Park. Boudreaux said the rally brought hundreds of people to the tennis court before turning into a boxing event.

“There was so much liability at stake and the individuals who were here came without permission, without any permits,” said Boudreaux. “This was an unorganized and unauthorized gathering.”

There are protocols in place if a group wants to host an event at the park.

“All of our organized and sanctioned events, we have security and medical people on board, Boudreaux said. “Whether it’s youth football or any of our contact sports, but we do not have an organized boxing program and fighting in the parks is prohibited.”

Lafayette does have park police, but Boudreaux said it’s a challenge for them to be at any location 24/7.